Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's influence is deeply embedded in the UK Government's recent Budget, during a speech to party activists in Glasgow.
Prime Minister Praises Scottish Leader's Influence
Addressing Scottish Labour members and donors at the party's Christmas gala on Thursday night, Sir Keir sought to rally support ahead of the Holyrood election in approximately five months. He explicitly credited Mr Sarwar with shaping key budgetary priorities.
"What Anas has said to me over many weeks and months since we won the general election is that three things matter to him and to Scotland more than anything else," the Prime Minister stated. He listed these as the cost of living crisis, tackling poverty, and avoiding a return to austerity measures from past governments.
Sir Keir concluded this point emphatically, adding: "In many respects, Anas's fingerprints are all over the Budget here in Scotland."
SNP Seizes on Comments to Attack Labour
The opposition Scottish National Party was quick to respond, using the Prime Minister's endorsement to tie Mr Sarwar directly to the Budget's more controversial elements. These include the continuation of the windfall tax on oil and gas profits, a policy criticised for its potential impact on Scottish jobs.
An SNP spokesman said: "Sarwar's being thrown right in it by his boss. The truth's out that he's just as culpable for slashing tens of thousands of jobs in Scotland as Starmer and Rachel Reeves are. Voters won't forget this."
Starmer Defends Chancellor and Flags Key Policy
During his speech, the Prime Minister also turned his attention to the Budget's decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap, urging Labour candidates to "shout it from the rooftops" during the upcoming election campaign.
Furthermore, Sir Keir offered robust support for his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, who has faced significant political pressure following the Budget over claims she misrepresented the state of public finances. Reeves was present at the Glasgow event.
"She is living proof that if you're a Chancellor that does a re-distributive Budget, then the right wing will attack and attack you and attack you," Sir Keir told the audience. "Rachel, you should wear that with a badge of pride."
The Prime Minister's visit to Scotland underscores the strategic importance of the nation to Labour's future plans, with the party aiming to consolidate support ahead of the pivotal devolved election next year.
